Fort Calgary has a new name and brand identity

A renowned Calgary historical site now has a new name.

Fort Calgary has officially been rebranded as The Confluence: Historic Site & Parkland. Site officials joined Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Blackfoot Elder Leonard Bastien Weasel Traveller on Thursday afternoon to announce the new name and brand, which they say will revitalize it’s presence in the community and show a commitment to inclusivity, reconciliation, and recognition of the past.

The name comes from the location of the fort where the Bow and Elbow rivers converge near downtown Calgary.

“The Confluence has been a place of Indigenous gathering for time immemorial and continues to hold great significance to Indigenous peoples,” reads a release. “With the name change, The Confluence will broaden its narrative to represent many histories, including those of Indigenous peoples, settlers, the North-West Mounted Police, newcomers and the land itself.”

Built in 1875 by the North-West Mounted police, the fort holds significant historical importance to Indigenous peoples and is often considered the birthplace of Calgary.

“It is where our two rivers meet, the convergence of our past, present, and future, and a vibrant point of connection between downtown, the East Village and the new Culture + Entertainment District,” says Gondek in a statement.

Officials add the transformation is a “pivotal juncture” in the institution’s rich history.

In an earlier ceremony, Blackfoot Elder Leonard Bastien Weasel Traveller transferred the name I’táámito’táaattsiiyio’pi to The Confluence organization. The name meets ‘harmonious meeting place,’ recognizing the land of the historical site has “a sacred and deep meaning” and marks a place for “all to gather, learn and recognize” its history.

Community members are being invited to an open house that will show “how The Confluence and its new identity connects to the community through a variety of activities for all ages.”

The open house will take place on May 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residential school memorial project

The newly named historical site will also be the home of a Residential School Memorial Project.

The City of Calgary is entering the design phase of the project that is set to honour the Call to Action of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation report.

The aim of the project is to offer a secure space where individuals “come to pay respects, to acknowledge the truth of Canadian History, and the ongoing impact of intergenerational trauma.”

Those interested in submitting memorial designs are encouraged to look over the Notice of Proposed Procurement on the city’s contract management system.